It was a moment that held the potential to outshine a showdown between the NBA's top teams, with the East-leading Toronto Raptors hosting the West-leading Memphis Grizzlies.

But the Raptors took the chance anyway as part of their ongoing 20th anniversary celebration, airing a video tribute for Vince Carter, who was in town playing for the Grizzlies in his 17th NBA season.

What started, according to the TSN broadcast, as a scattering of boos from some of the nearly 20,000 in attendance at the Air Canada Centre turned into a loud mix of cheers and applause as Carter hugged several Grizzlies coaches while watching a video board overhead.

The video was shown during a break in action in the first quarter of the Raptors' 96-92 win.

Carter slowly pumped a fist into the air while repeatedly nodding and shaking his head in appreciation with a stream of tears lining his cheeks.